Flag On The Play: Non-Alcoholic Tailgating Now Allowed Before Rumson-Fair Haven Football Championship Game

MIDDLETOWN, NJ— Rumson-Fair Haven has been buzzing with excitement for the upcoming Rumson-Fair Haven vs South Plainfield football championship game, but excitement better be the only kind of buzz: alcohol at tailgates has been banned before all championship games.

This is a clarification of the the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, known as the NJSIAA, previous stance, banned all tailgates, alcoholic or not. Now, tailgating is allowed, but all games will remain alcohol- and drug-free events.

“When you attend an NFL or Big Ten football game, for example, the entire environment is dedicated to fan entertainment,” Timko said. “But high school sports are different — even a state championship football game contested at Met Life Stadium is an extension of the classroom. And you don’t allow alcohol, drugs or tailgating at school.”

The NJSIAA's rules regarding fan behavior are different of those governing professional and collegiate sports where tailgating is allowed and alcohol is sold at events. The difference, Timko notes, isn’t just the age of the athletes who are competing.

“We want all our fans, many of whom are minors, to have an enjoyable experience while attending scholastic sports competitions,” said Steve Timko, the NJSIAA’s executive director. “And that’s why we instituted specific rules that don’t allow certain activities and behaviors. All of our member schools are in agreement that we will not tolerate a few individuals enjoying themselves at the expense of everyone else.”

— By Daniel Hubbard (Patch Staff)

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